Lotte Berk Method For Beginners Hip Hugger Abs

A Good Intense Ab Workout
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure about this video the first time I watched it. I’d been doing crunches & leg raises at the gym and was tired of not seeing the results I wanted. This seemed WAY too easy. I gave it a shot anyway, and boy did my abs hurt the next day! I couldn’t believe it.

Make sure that you follow the instructors directions about pulling your navel to your spine and tucking your pelvis. You won’t get the results you want if you don’t remain mindful of those two things throughout the workout. Also, they don’t give any instruction on how regularly to do this workout, but abs are like any other muscle in your body. They need at least 2 days to recover in between workouts. I wouldn’t suggest doing this workout more than 3 days a week.

All in all, I really like this workout. It is really good for those of us with time restrictions, and you really feel relaxed after this workout. I really enjoy this one and will make it a permanent part of my weekly routine.

Excellent Ab Workout!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I love this dvd. I have done pilates for quite a while and was getting a bit bored with it and wasn’t noticing much change anymore. This Lotte Berk Method Hip Hugger Abs is just the change I was needing. It is very similar to many pilates workouts but targets the muscles differently. I feel the burn everytime I work out. I would definately recommend this DVD to any one, beginner to advanced.

Less Than Impressed
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I have to say after reading the reviews I was excited to get this DVD and add it to my growing collection of fitness DVDs. Now that I have it and done the work out I am less than impressed. My abs hardly got the workout I was expecting. Perhaps I wasn’t concentrating my abs enough, but I was trying my hardest to feel it in my abs and I just wasn’t. So to make a long story short I will be looking for another DVD to replace this one!

so so ab workout
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
This dvd wasn’t bad, but if I had previewed it before making my purchase I would have left it on the shelf. I did get a burn doing the ab exercises, but I don’t think the video is long enough. If the video had more exercises I would have been happy. The instructor was great and for someone new to ab exercise this would most likely be a five star dvd for you. I will continue to use it because I like The Method (bar body and lotte berk- mostly bar body it’s a 5star dvd set). It would make a nice good morning or good night stretch for my abs without having to do a full ab workout.

lotte berk method for beginners
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Out of all the workout DVDs that I own this is the one that I enjoy best and that gets me the results I want. It includes yoga poses and uses pilates. There are three instructors at all time which is better than just having one or eight! One of them demonstrates the beginner stage, the one who’s instructing you demonstrates the intermediate and the other one shows the advanced level. The instructor reminds you throughout the DVD how to hold yourself, reminding you of how to place your neck properly, to hold in your abdominals which is very useful since if you’re like me you’ll tend to forget. I have the complete lotte berk workout, my favorites are ‘hip hugger abs’ and ‘muscle eats fat’. You’ll feel very relaxed and good with yourself and stronger after doing these workouts. I highly recommend this.

Silly Instructor
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I am an advanced exerciser and love working out at home the best- so i buy a ton of DVD’s. This one–the exercises themselves are good, but the girl never shuts up and often looses track of her counts–it may be okay the first time you try it, but if you plan on doing this more than once, she’ll drive you insane with her LONG instructions every time you just want to do the work-out!!!! She talks sooo much you lose the flow. I learned the exercises and do them in about half the time— without her annoying instructions!

Little movement, big results
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The only advice I can give: concentration. If you concentrate on truly holding your abs in, your breathing, and your form, this DVD is truly amazing. If not, if you simply go through the motions, it’s no better than any other one out there.

That being said, this DVD truly gives you something to work towards. While none of them have the scary 6 pack abs found on female body builders, they all have shapes to be envious of, and Barbara? The woman held the plank pose the entire time! I was shaking the first time I did it after 30 seconds. If you want the streamlined dancer’s look, and the sleek, hard abs of someone with core strength, this is for you. The extra blast at the end is not for the easily intimidated–it’s much harder than it looks. Great value for the money!

Good workout, OK instructor
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
After doing this workout a few times, I would like to edit my review. I don’t think this workout is intense enough to really work the abs. I could “feel the burn” somewhat while was I doing the exercises but I didn’t feel anything afterward (but I do after some of the other DVD’s in this set). Some of the moves were too easy even for a beginner like me. I would recommend following Barbara (the most advanced exerciser) to see if you get more of a workout. Suzanne is an OK instructor but moves a little too fast through some of the stretches. I can’t change my star rating but I would only give it 3 stars.

Should have listened…not worth the money
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I should have listened to “So, so workout” who previously reviewed this DVD. It was definetly too short (not enough exercises). I assumed that the person who wrote “so, so workout” liked long abs sessions (which I do not), however, this workout only had about 4 or 5 different exercises w/ short reps. (The box suggests that the workout is ~15 minutes, but the instructor is thorough and takes a long time to explain the proper technique– which is great). However, I would NOT have spent the money for this workout. There is only one ab workout on the tape (tape does have short warm up and cool down).

Way, waaay too easy. But why?
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
Based on the reviews on this board, I bought this DVD. The main thing I read on this board was, “you must concentrate on the moves, etc., etc.”

So I did. I really, REALLY focused. I felt nothing. I was if I hadn’t really worked out at all. I tried this DVD for two weeks and did not get a single thing out of it. I don’t think I did anything wrong, I just did not get a workout from this DVD.

Love It!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I enjoy all of the Walk Away the Pounds DVD’s but didn’t feel that I was getting an adequate ab workout. I started searching for an ab DVD and came across the Lotte Berk Method – Hip Hugger Abs. Well, I’ve lost 60 lbs and am attempting a 2 piece bathing suit this summer for the first time, so I thought that would be the best one to try. IT IS TOUGH, but I love it! The music is fabulous and the instructors are wonderful. I now plan to order all of the Lotte Berk DVD’s and alternate them with my WATP DVD’s. I would like to do both every day, but I don’t always have time for that. I did both today, but I had a rare “un-busy” night. I can’t wait to see my results in a few weeks – I was really sore today after doing this last night for the first time. It has a very modern feel to it. I will say that I love Leslie Sansone to death, but sometimes tire of all the laughing and conversation – at least after hearing it a few thousand times. There is none of that in this DVD which is a nice change of pace. I don’t care what they cost – it’s worth it.

Ok… not what I expected
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
This is a strange Ab video . I have only done it twice but for like 10 mintes you do push ups I dunno I guess a lot of people liked it but it is not my favorite. I recommend the Barre Method or Calenetics I like them as instructors better even though Callen is a little goofy.

Gives a great workout
Rating:5 out of 5 stars

This is a great workout and the time just flies by. When I was done, I could hardly believe 30 minutes had passed. As long as you don’t allow youself to cheat and actually do the exercises as instructed you will get a great ab workout. The only exercise I had trouble with was the reverse pushups and for those, I did standing pushups against the wall. Also, I used a yoga mat and found the exercises to be a little more comfortable since this workout is floor based.

This is going to be my new “early moring” workout.

It’s OK (but not great)
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
Overall I didn’t like the video. Most of the exercises are too easy for intermed-adv users, but there are some moves that seem too complicated for a beginner.

I felt that the half hour workout was boring and a waste of my time because I didn’t feel at all sore during or after workout. I think it’s because the movements aren’t great and they did very little reps.

The positive aspects of this video is that instructor does extensive cueing, and emphasizes form/posture (including reminders to pull in your abs & pelvic tuck), and is fairly energetic.

If you are looking for a Ab workout, there are many other better videos out there like “Firm Parts: 5-Day Abs” & “More 5-Day Abs.”

If you are looking for a non-traditional workout focusing on overall toning/stability, I would recommend “The Bar Method Body – Designer Sculpting” or pilates.

Summary of moves:

WARM UP(This seems to be standard to all the Lotte Berk videos; it definitely didn’t contribute to working out the Abs):

knee lifts, shoulder shrugs. Push ups, reverse push ups, tricep stretch, hamstring stretch.

ABS:

Lean back while keeping abs contracted to hold upper body up

“Walks” = while keeping abs contracted in a crunch position, alternate moving legs up & down

“Sit Ups”

Lay on side and lift up legs

Plank exercises

STRETCHES

Not their best …..
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I had to come back and edit my review. Now I would probably give it 4 stars. At first I did not like this DVD, but after doing it several times I changed my mind. Its not a very difficult DVD, but if you really sqeeze your abs and go slow, you can feel it (and eventually see it) working. It’s still not my favorite DVD, but I would recommend the other Lotte Berk DVDs. High Round Assets and Muscle Eats Fat were both better and I have seen results from both.

decent
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This is decent for toning the ab muscles. It makes your abs burn. remember though, you also need cardio to actually burn that layer of fat above the ab muscles so your ab muscles can be seen. do this 5 times a week and cardio 7 days a week for results.

A great Workout!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I watch the video first before I attempetd the wokout and it looked so simple. I almost didn’t do it. But from a few simple and even relaxing moves (the stretching) I got a great workout. I didn’t feel the effects on my abs until the day after. Every time I moved my core I felt the burn of worked muscles. I did have one problem with this workout. It was hard on my wrists. I found the backwards push up painful and skiped doing part of them. A great workout for those of us who long to look great in thos hip huger jeans.

Not impressed
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I was not impressed at all with this dvd especially after viewing so many. It consisted mainly of stretching and very little work out. It did not isolate the different muscles at all. A total waste of money.

NO hype – get ready for true Hip Hugger Abs!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I love, love, love this one and I really enjoyed this instructor, Suzanne. She was firm but sweet, lol. She gently chided you if she suspected you were getting sloppy: “Keep the integrity of your form, because they’re not sloppy.”

Uhm, this ab work leaves Burr Leonard (The Bar Method) in the dust. I’ve never seen some of the exercises and my abs let me know it right away. These are incredible. Some are just plain freaking scary … *cry* but I loved every minute of it. If you buy the 4-pack, this one alone is worth the price of the pack. I do this one every day after whatever workout I do in the pack. I alternate Lotte Berk with Bar Method but I make sure either this workout or the HHA Bonus Blast is done every day and I have people in my office coming over to touch my abs. They are ROCK HARD. It’s that wonderful. There are 3 modifications shown for the workouts here and each one could be done by us, depending upon how strong we’re feeling or crampy or ambitious we are.

Barbara (the most advanced instructor) is really scary in this one. She kept the plank held even through the rests and she never trembled once. Perfect form, perfect posture, strong and muscular body.

I’ll say the easiest exercise was the Lotte style situps and that’s saying something.

The Bonus Blast is going to be humbling if you’re not extremely fit. Be warned. It is grit tough and maddeningly horrifying, lol. At first, you just collapse and stare at her as if she’s some kind of demon woman. But somehow, you force yourself back up into position and pick it up and keep going. Your legs won’t be as high as hers, your back won’t be as straight but each time you do it, your form will improve to the point at which you smile happily when you realize, “OMG, I’m DOING IT!”

The Bonus Blast is only about 10 minutes, but you’re working hard the entire time. Again, there is no easing in, especially on the Bonus Blasts. You get straight to business and isn’t that what you want when you don’t have a lot of time for chatter in DVDs?

I love these kinds of exercises and am happy that I bought the 4-pack because there are 4 DVDs — I have a very nice rotation now and am even more motivated now to keep pushing forward! Hooray!

One other thing: If you’ve been doing The Bar Method or Callanetics, you will be very well prepared for the Lotte Berk workouts. If you don’t have that background, don’t worry. There is a beginner DVD/tape. If you start with this one, you just may collapse from the shaking, trembling and sweating. LOL! And strangely you’ll feel really good about it because every muscle in your body will feel worked and you’ll also be strangely relaxed.

The abs are notoriously difficult to sculpt and they resist overtraining but if you’re watching your diet and you are religious with your workouts, you will see them begin to appear. You really will. This is the first DVD I’ve used that has backed up that boast.

This works if you stay with it!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I love this DVD! It gets easier as long as you stick with it. The instructor is very patient and directs well. I love that it is not over 30 minutes!!

Good
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Not a very complex system but a good start. I have definitely noticed a difference. One of the better narrated exercise video’s I’ve used.

Excellent Workout for me
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I must admit, I am a naturally kind of lazy person, so high-energy workouts tend to put me off. I did, however, want to do something to bring back some definition to my ab mucles – not necessarily lose weight. This workout fits the bill. It’s simple yet very effective – I could feel which muscles were being worked – and the instructor is thorough and not annoying or too fast. I did begin to see some results almost right away. I usually do this workout right after the kids leave for school but before I get in the shower, so it fits into my schedule nicley, too.

great ab workout
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoy this because it focuses on pulling the abs in to get worked (which I have tendancy to forget and push out slightly). I like it.

Small, isolated movements target the abdominal area
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
The Lotte Berk Method is a form of exercise developed by Russian dancer Lotte Berk and brought to America by Lydia Bach. Drawing from dance and other similar disciplines, many of the exercises require the use of a ballet barre, and the focus is on making small, precise movements to facilitate the development of long, lean muscles. Unlike the other videos in this series, however, the movements in Hip Hugger Abs, which work the abdominal area, are performed entirely on the floor without the use of a barre.

Like all of the Lotte Berk videos, this workout begins with high knee lifts to warm up. Instructor Suzanne Cook leads two other Lotte Berk instructors, one of whom shows modifications. Also included in the warm up are push-ups: 2 sets of 10 on your knees, and then 2 sets of 10 “reverse” push-ups, performed with your hands behind you and your chest up to switch the work to the triceps. After the warm up, the workout moves to the floor. Starting in a seated position with your knees bent, you lean back, tilting your pelvis, pulling in your abdominals, and holding a sort of isometric contraction. You perform several repetitions and also several variations, such as holding one leg in the air. By the end of this segment, I could definitely feel my abs working!

Next comes a series of Pilates inspired movements. Beginning on your back, you lift your bent legs in the air and dip your toes to the ground; you then perform the same movement with straight legs. Moving on to your side, you do a single set of side leg lifts, and to finish, it’s on to your stomach for a few brief holds of elbow plank. Although all of the above are effective movements, I don’t think that enough time was devoted to the individual exercises, and I didn’t feel very worked out after this segment. The workout ends as all the LBM videos do with a “Shape by Stretch” section in which you perform several different stretches to finish at a total of 26 1/2 minutes. While there are certainly some merits to this video, better abs and Pilates workouts are available.

Awesome for all body types and ages!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I agree with many other reviewers; a lot of people smirk at how “easy” these exersises may seem. But it’s all in how disciplined you are! If you really TRY to strengthen your core and hold the position until you think you might collapse, you will see near immediate results, regardless of your age or body type! I have seen forty-five to fifty year old women toning their muscles and looking fantastic and at least ten years younger, and, as a twelve year old myself, my friends have commented on how it’s so easy for me to wear those hip hugger jeans and how I can handle all the Phys Ed core exercises without difficulty.

This is undoubtedly my personal favorite DVD of the four in the Lotte Berk Method set, though I heartily reccomend all three other videos — together, the set of routines will give fabulous results that appear quickly and stay!

Intermediate Lotte Berk Method
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
Three instructors guide you through an intermediate workout complete with modifications for three levels of fitness. Beginners and intermediate exercisers will enjoy this the most and advanced students may feel like they are taking too many breaks between repetitions. This is because the workout is set up in two segments. The first section is simply the “method” or training session.

The real workout begins when you look under the “special features.” This is the workout at a speed where you will burn calories and workout at an intermediate to advanced level. So, this is truly for all fitness levels after the first workout.

The exercises are based very simply on Pilates and Yoga and you will enjoy this the most if you are intermediate in both. Push ups are normal, but it is the challenging plank where your arm strength will be tested.

The stretching session at the end isn’t quite long enough so you might want to follow this with a yoga practice that focuses on stretching and relaxing. The exercises are all very structured and you can feel these exercises mostly in the abdominal/hip area with some exercises focusing on the arms and legs along with the abs. Unlike most strict Pilates routines, you won’t be doing an extended side series and the Yoga postures are uncomplicated.

If you are intermediate, you may want to walk or bike for over 30 minutes before starting this routine. I felt like I burned more calories when I was already warmed up and this workout then presented more of a challenge.

The reason I think this is intermediate is because of the strength I know it takes to get to the exercises they expect you to complete. The plank is held for quite some time and the roll ups take quite a lot of time to master. This is a little beyond beginner, but you can work your way into intermediate over time.

~The Rebecca Review

Challenging workout
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Workouts dvds are known for their commitment to exercise motivation. Well this one takes the motivation prize! So upbeat everyone will love it! At the same time it’s challenging, but this instructor can get me to do anything. love it!!!!

Deep Burning Abs
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This workout will work your abs to the core. My obliques are killing me right now. I can definetley see a change in my abdominal form if I stay consistent with this DVD. The workout is only 30min which is great. The time flies by. They really pay attention to your form and how you breathe. One should remember to tuck the pelvis and pull the abdominal wall to really feel the stomach working. I’m going o incorporate this with cardio in order to burn the layer of fat off so the definition can show.

Results!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve been doing this workout for six months, and it’s the most effective ab workout I’ve ever done, as well as being one of the quickest and simplest. I know the exercise by heart now so I do them daily after some cardio or power yoga; I am quite fit and health-conscious generally, but these few simple moves, done daily and with awareness, have really sculpted my mid-section as it’s never been sculpted before, and I’m wearing the hipster jeans and bikinis for the first time (and I’m a mother in her early forties…). I’m impressed enough to be considering buying other Lotte Berk dvds..I wonder if I could make my asets higher and rounder too?!

Quick, but seemingly effective….
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This was my first Lotte Berk DVD, and I have to say I was impressed. The instructor is extremely soothing, motivating and wonderful at walking you through the moves. She does the intermediate moves, while on person does advanced moves and the third instructor shows the beginner modifications.

Although several of the exercises are basic crunches and sit-ups, this was still a great DVD. They take equally time to work your muscles and stretch them, and I certainly felt the burn and my muscles contracted in agreement. I did feel it in more then my abs, it certainly helps your arms and “seat” as well.

I haven’t been doing this long enough to know that it truly will give me “hip hugger abs”, but the DVD is motivating and mellow enough that I will try often enough to see if it will give me the results we all strive for.

I did the main 20-minute session and have yet to try the 10-minute bonus-blast session. I did a quick review of it on fast-forward and it looks to be a great workout as well, with moves that look a bit more strenuous then those in the main session.

Great Alternative!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I am a dancer turned teacher, therefore, I have been doing situps and ab strengthening exercises for a long time. This video (if done with correct positioning) will give you great results. Be aware you most likely won’t feel a burn like you will after a hundred crunches. These exercises are designed to FLATTEN your stomach, where most of the crunches and situps people do build muscles that bulge out. Stay consistent and you will be extrememly pleased with the results.

Terrific, but you need all four DVDs
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I agree wholeheartedly with the positive comments made so far– this is a deceptively effective workout. For those who have been doing Pilates in particular, Lotte Berk will fit in nicely with your stretching and “powerhouse” training.

I’d say that in order to get the most out of these DVDs, you should rotate all four in the series–Basic Essentials, Hip Hugger Abs, Muscle Eats Fat and High Round Assets. I use two DVDs per workout, every other day, doing cardio on the days in between.

As for these exercises being “too easy”– I’d disagree. Done correctly, they are quite challenging–EVEN for those in good shape. It is, however, fairly low key. Those who need a thumping beat, a zillion reps, to sweat gallons or to be shouted at may not go for this method.

LOVE Hip Hugger Abs
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Hip hugger abs is wonderful. And I’m a huge fan of Lotte Berk Method. Suzanne Cook is an easy to follow instructor and if you listen to her cues and get the form down, you WILL feel the results of these exercises. It’s definitely a wonderful supplement to an existing cardio routine, or even by itself, every day or every other day. The great part is the alternate levels for all of the moves, based on your needs, to get the most challenge for your ability. I highly recommend Lotte Berk. While I’ve heard commentary that it’s not a difficult enough workout, if done properly, has even better results than you’d ever expect. Even more cool, is the fact that ALL of their routines can be done barefoot, with no equipment, in a minimum of time. Awesome video.

Results Immediately!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I was shocked at my results! I have been killing myself at the gym, doing crunches and working on the machines for over a year now with only some results. After the first workout with the DVD, I started seeing some definition! I thought I was just imagining things, but now I have done this workout for the past 2 weeks, and the results have been amazing! I am on my way to having a total 6 pack after just a few sessions! At first, the exercises looked way too simple to be effective, but the results have proved me wrong!

Great Ab Work Out
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
They look simple but the exercises work deep into your abs muscles. You will feel them the next day, when you laugh. Three instructors show you the beginner, intermedaite and advance levels. Consistency is the key, to get the most out of it, do it three times a week, giving your muscle a chance to recoup, add some cardio if you need to lose weight, and a sensible diet. It is one of my favorites, I also recommend High Round Assets and Muscle Eats Fat. I love the Lotte Berk Method.

Great Ab Workout
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
The workout itself is perfect in terms of effectiveness. I love the way I feel doing it and the way I feel after; like I really worked my abs. The timing of the instructor and the music do not match though and this drives me crazy. I really enjoy the workout though, so I’ve started turning off the sound and puting on other music. Definately get “Hip Hugger Abs” but be aware that you may be annoyed by this as well.